Publicity apparatus



June 17, 1930. H; M. DUCHARD 51 3 5 PUBLICITY APPARATUS Filed Aug. 6;192B A fi fk k IA 3 6 Sheets-Sheet II. .I.

June 17, 1930. H. M. DUCHARD PUBLICITY APPARATUS Filed. Aug. 6, 1928 6Sheets-Sheet 2 June 17, 1930. H. M. DUCHARD 1,765,215,

PUBLICITY AfPARATUS Filed Aug. 6; 1928 e Sheets-Sheet 3 June 17, 1930.H. M. DUCHARD 1,755,215-

PUBLICITY APPARATU Filed Aug. 6. 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 VIII,

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June17, 1930. H. M. DUCHARD I PUBLICITY APPARATUS Fi1edAug.6. 1928 6Sheets-Sheet 5 June 17, 1930. H. M. DUC'HARD 1,765,215

PUBLICITY APPARATUS Filed Aug. 6. 192B 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 feren't-ly. p IAccording to another form of embed-i5 j Patented June 17, 1936 1 UNITEDSTATES HENRLMAUMCE DUGHARD, 0F PARIS, FRANCE PUBLICITY APPARATUS"Application filed August 6 1928, Serial No.

The present invention relat'es to a publici'ty apparatus adapted to passbefore the public gaze a continuoussequence of advertisements (drawingsor script) as olot'ains with the luminous gazettes now installed in themain thoroughfares of large cities. v

The object of the present invention is'to provide a publicity apparatusdiffering; totally from the luminous gazettes alluded to above in thatno electric lamp is used in the apparatus according to the invention,for the formation of the letters played. The apparatus is constituted byelements visible in broad daylight; which ailords the great advantage ofenablii'ig the or many hours and. likewise a; nightby throwing anartificial light on the elements.

The publicity apparatus aCCOTCllDg to the iln ention broadly comprises acontinuously moving endless member Winch is provided nth shuttersadapted to pivot about spindles secured to said endless inel'nberwhereby saidshutters can take up two positions in each of which theyexhibit a different appearance to the public gaze, so that certainshutters may be contrasted'with others and, hence letters maybe formedwhich move with the endless member and may constitute advertisements. vI 7 According to a form of embodimenhthe shutters display one or otheroftheirfaces; according to their position, the contrast b'eobtained bycolouring'the 'fa ce's dili merit; the contrast is obtained simply thefact that in one of the positions the shutter covers the Windowcorresponding therefor Whilst, in the other positionyit uncovers theWindow which is then clearly dis tinguishable fro-in the adjacentshutters, it being possible to emphasize such distinction by making useof a central luminous source conunon to all the Windows. v i

The endless member may comprise two endless belts located in parallelrelation to each: other and secured together" with the shutters locatedin between them. Moreover,

to be disublicity apparatus to be utilized everyday 1 'Vation on I IFig; 3

297319, and in Germany August 92, 1927 the endless belts may beconstituted either by chains passing over sprocket Wheels 01 by ordinaryWheels.

1 Thepiv'ot movement oft-he shutters may be" advantageously controlledthrough electro-in'agnets energized at the opportune inonients by'providing a Contact in their cir euit which is opened and closedthrough the. instrumentality of a perforate strip of the type which isfamiliar'in this kind ot' 2.13: paratus and which moves in "synchronisinwith the endless member 1 carrying the shutters. p p v r The inventionhas been illustrated diagrainmatically and merely by Way ofexample inthe. accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic" sectional eleof the apparatus unit ineccordance with the inventio i I :Fig. 2 is an elevation of the endlessmemher and the shutters.

Fig.1 3 is.-

list sectionon IV IV, ig.

' Fig. 5 is an' enlarged'detail View illu'strating the arrangements ofone'of 'the groups lot electroinag'nets actuat1ng I the shutters.

the device for v a View corresponding to" that-of *Fig' 2. i

sf ip. v V Fig; '4' isa plan view corresponding 'to thatjofFig. 6.-

ig', is e; sect-ion on VIII VIII, Fig. 7.

Fig; 9 is a fragmentary sectional'vie'w on ecuit'breakercooperatingwith. the endless member forv controlling the. device forprogressing the perforate strip. 7 1

Fig. 11v shows,in elevation 2t bank of shutters according toanother.constructional form o'f'the apparatus.-

Fig-12 is the corresponding plan view.

'Fig. 12 is a perspective detail View.

Fig. 18 is a section" on XIIL XIII Fig.12.

Fig; 14' isia se'ctionallelevation of the. ap- Y paratlis unit.

10 is a detail View showing the cir-1 Fig. 15 shows another modifiedform of construction. 7

' The publicity apparatus according to the inventionis broadlyconstituted by an endless member comprehensively designated by 1, Fig.l, and which s constitutedby two chains 2 and 3 (see Figs. 2 to 4:)located parallel to each other and connectedtogether by equidistantparallel spindles t which are perpendicular to the chains 2 and 3. r

The, chains 2 and 8 are .mounted on sprocket wheels, associated,for'example, with the chain 2, and the wheels 3 and 3 with the chain 3.The wheels 2 and 3 are mounted on the ends of a shaft 5, and the Wheels2 and 3 are mounted in similar fashion on the ends of a shaft 6 parallelto the shaft 5.

. A plurality of shutters 7 are loosely mounted on the spindles l inaligned relation in order to form rows of shutters parallel to thechains 2 and Suitable means are provided to prevent the shutters 7 fromsliding longitudinally over the spindles l.

' The shutters 7 have. the form of a polygon,

in the example illustrated they have been shown'square, and their twofaces are of different colours which clash, the face 7 5 being blue forexample, whilst the face 7 is white. i r p 1 v The shutters 7 areintended to display one or the other of their faces, so as to formletters which taken to ether constitute an V I b advertisement. 7 y V Inorder that the letters formed throughv the instrumentanty of theshutters 7 shall stand out sharply, theIshutters. 7 entering intothe'composition of the letters-will 'display their white surface 7whilst at the same instant the other shutters will display their blueface '7 in order to form a kind f background. Fig.2 shows the letter Eformed after. this manner.

A continuous translational movement in the direction of the arrow 8 isimparted to'the endless member lby a motor 9 driving, through a suitablegear ratio, a worm 10 meshing with a worm Wheel 11 mounted on theshaft-,5. In thiscase, only the wheels ,2 and 8 are drivers and musthence be keyed to the shaft 5. The wheels 2 and 3 may, on the otherhand, be loosely mounted on the shaft 6. z

In order to prevent indiscriminate pivot ing of the shutters Tabout thespindles 4 during the movement of the memberl, this 7 I latter hasassociatedtherewitha fixed guide l2c0nstitutedfor example by a metalplate.

At some point along its length, .the guide 12 is however broken off inorder to allow an operator to pivot the shutters 7 as they pass beforethis" open space, so as to form the letters to be displayed. 9

.It is however practically impossible to perform this operation by handowing to the wheels 2 and 2 being row of. shutters 7 so asto tordisplaytheir face 7.

To this end, and in accordance with a form of embodiment of theinventioin each shutter 7 is fitted with two magnetic masses l3 and 14;situated on either side of the shutter 7 substantially diagonallyopposite each 1 7 other.

lVith the magnetic masses l3 ll there respectively co-operateelectromagnets coniprehensively designated by 15 (Figs. 8 and 4) andlocated in aligned relation facing the open space left by the guide. 12and lying parallel to the pivot spindles ters 7. pairs, each pair ofelectromagnets corre sponding to a row of shutters Y perpendicular tothe spindles t, and each electromagnet of one of the groups cooperateswith one of the magnetic masses or 1% of the corresponding row' ofshutters 7 defined above. V The two electromagnets of the same groupnever operate together but, however, one electromagnet is always inoperationlin one group.

The several groups of electromagnets in question are adapted to act onthe shutters 'r' so as to cause'them toldisplay either-the face7 or theface 7 depending on whether they do or do not enter into the compositionof the letter to be displayed. ihS will be more clearly apparentfromthat part of the lof the shut- These electromagnets operate in' eration"of the. apparatus, the upper electroniagnet of any one of the groups ofelectromagnets co-operates with the masses l l of a given row ofshutters in order to rotate these latter so that they shall display theface On the contrary, tlie'lower electromagnetof the group und rconsideration cooperates with the masses of the same; rotate the latter'ln order to energize, or in other words, in order to cause onefor theother of the electromagnets of any one of the groups ofelectromagnets tooperate, it is essential that these latter shall be directly controlledfby the device carrying the lettersto be reproduced on the endless memberfl, through the medium of the shutters Z. lnthe e::-

lli'

ample illustratedyit will be assumed'that' the device carryingthe'letters to be reproduced is constituted by a known type of ,per-

forate strip in which the said letters are punched. 1 7 V r According tothe invention, the perforate strip is supported -ane d'riven'by a deviceillustrated in detail-in Figs. t3 to l). The

supporting and driving member of the strip is constltuted by a drumunder voltage on either side of which are provided a row of teeth 21which engage with corresponding strip feeding perforations in theperforate'strip when the latter is placed on the drum 20. Theperforations may be akin to those provided on the edges of ordinarymotion picture films. The drum 20' is rotated in order to progress theperforate strip in continuous manner through the medium of a specialmechanisi'n which will be described in detail presently.

Conducting contacts 22- cooperating with the drum 20 are mounted oninsulating supports 23 and are adapted to contact with said drum 20through perforations made in the perforate strip to form the letters tobe reproduced. .The contacts 22 are equal in number to the transverseperforations of the strip and, in consequence, to the number of shutters7 mounted on a spindle l or yet again to the number of pairs ofelectromagnets provided for actuating the shutters 7.

Each contact 22 is electrically connected by circuit 24 to anelectromagnet 25 {see Fig. 5) adapted to act on a magnetic armature 26secured to a mercury circuit-breal-ier 27 constituted by a tube 28containing mercury and fitted with three terminals .29, and 81. Theterminals 29 and 30 are connected to the electromagnet 15 and theterminals 30 and 81 are connected to the elec-" tromagnet 15 The tube 28is pivotally mounted at its centre on a fixed support 32'.

The circuit-breaker 27 inserted in an electric circuit feeding one of thpairs of electromagnets. Of course, each pair of electromagnets isprovided with a' circuitbrcaker of the character described.

With this arrangement, depending on whether the contact 22 contacts withthe drum 20 under voltage, through perforation of the strip, or remainsin contact with the strip which is an insulator, one or other of theelectromagnets 15 or 15? of the group of two electromagnetscorresponding to such contact 22 will be energized; For, when thecontact 22 contacts with the drum 20, voltage is applied to the circuit24- and theelectromagnet '25 is energized, attracting the armature 26 ofthe circuit-breaker 27. The latter, rocks in the-direction of the arrow33 and the mercury contained in the tube 28 makes an electricalconnection between the terminals 29 and- 30. (Jurrent thenflows throughthe electromagnet 15"- which can then attract the magnetic mass 14- ofthe shutter 7 which is at that moment opposite the electromagnet 15.

On the contrary, when the contact-22 remains in contact withthe-perforate strip, voltage is no longer appliedto the circuit 24, theelectromagnet 2. 3 no longer acts on the armature 26 and the tube 28rocks back in the opposite direction under the actionv of return spring28. An electric connection is established between the terminals 30 and31 and current flows to the electromagnet l5 which can then acton themagnetic mass 13 of the shutter 7 which at that'moment happens to beopposite the electromagnet 15*. I i

It has been pointed out in the foregoing that the actuation of theshutters 7 bythe electromagnets 15 and 15 is solely conditioned by theposition assumed by the per forate strip on the drum 20 under voltage.In order satisfactorily to reproduce on the endless member 1 the lettersformed on the perforate strip, it is consequently essential that themovements of the perforate strip and the endless member shall besynchronized. To this end, the strip progressing device is under thedirect control of the endless member 1. v

In order to achieve this result, on the upper face of the chain 2 of theendless member 1 (see Figs. 1, 2,- 3 and 10) are fitted a plurality ofinclined membersil lconstituted by angle irons havingthe flange perfpendicular to the chain 2 cut away in the manner illustrated. Theinclined members 8% connect together two consecutive spindles 4-, twoconsecutive inclined members 84 be ing spaced however slightly lessapartthan two consecutive spindles 4C. 1

With the same end in View, the device for progressing the perforatestrip proper is constituted by two electromagnets 35 and 36 adaptedtoact respectively on two opposite- 1y. disposed magnetic armatures 37 and38, both secured to a disc 38* provided interwith two fingers 39' and 40at opposite ends of a diameter. The lingers 33and 40 may engage withpins 41 provided on one of the faces of a disc 12 mounted on a spinis solocated relative to the endless member.

1, that whenth-e pointer 49 bears against the chain 2, an electriccontact is established between the terminals 45 and 46 whilst, when thepointer 49' bears against the inclined member 3 an electric contact isestablished between the terminals 44 and 45'. In this manner, if theterminals 465 and 46 are elec trically connected to the electromagnet 35die as carr 'in the drum 20 under volta e.

and the terminals 44- and 45- to the-electro- 1n-agnet'36, theelectromagnet willbe en gi'zed when the pointer 4-9 rests on the oh i 2and the electromagnet 36' will be energized when the pointer 49 rests onthe inclined part continuous alternating movements to the disc 38 V Theconsequence is that the fingers 89 and 40 will alternately engage withthe pins 41 with consequent rotation of the disc 42 and hence of thespindle 42 of the drum 2O 'tacts 22 come into contact with the drum 20through a given angle. This angle 'is so calculated that the perforatestrip will ad vance one row of transverse perforations each time theendless member 1 has advanced one row of axial shutters 7 relative tothe group of electromagnets 15.

Instead of driving the drum 20 in the manner just described, anappropriate mechanical drive directly controlled by one or other of thechains 201 3 might be provided. Such form of drive will be simpler whenthe strip progressing device is proximate the endless member.

Two rollers 50 mounted on a system of pin-jointed levers 51 maintain theperforate strip on the drum 20. The rollers 50 serve the additionalpurpose of raising the contacts 22 to 'lift them out of contact bothwith the perforate strip and the drum 20.

A second drum 20* may be mounted on the spindle 42 as well as a systemof contacts and levers similar to that described. The

objectof the second system is to enable the contacts to be replacedwithout consequent stoppage of the apparatus, a perforate strip beingmounted on each drum.

The publ1c1ty apparatus described, which may be mounted on a roof forexample, operates as follows:

WVith all the shutters 7 of the endless member 1 arranged so as todisplay the blue 45 face 7, the perforate strip is placed on the drum 20under voltage and the motor 9 started up. The endless member 1 is set inmotion and actuates the device for progressing the perforate strip.

As the perforate str1p progresses,the conor remain in contact with theperforate strip. In the first instance, the electromagnet 15corresponding to the masses 14 attracts the mass 14 of the shutter 7then opposite the energized electromagnet 15. The. mass 14 is attractedto the energized electromagnet and causes the corresponding shutter 7 topivot about the spindle, 4." With the endless member 1 continuing tomove in the direction of the arrow 8, the mass 14 leaves theelectromagnet 15 which incidentally is no longer energized if thecorresponding contact 22 has come into contact with the perforatestripdue to 1 this latters progression The shutter 7 which has been attractedand has pivoted, now displays its white face 7 Of course, what has beensaid with regard to a shutter 7 likewise applies to all the shutters 7of a given spindle since as many airs of electroma nets obtain as thereare shutters 7 on a given spindle 4. It is likewise obvious that all theshutters 7 are not necessarily turned so as to display their face 7 forthis solely depends on the position, relative to the drum 20, of thecontact 22 corresponding to the group of electromagnets underconsideration. of shutters is successively'acted upon in this wise andthe letters of the advertisement formed.

When an axial row of such shutters has The endless member may beconstituted by a drum as has been illustrated in Figs. 11 to 14. As maybe seen from these figures, the apparatus comprises a drum formed by twowheels arrangedparallel to and secured to each other and between whichthe shutters 7 are mounted. These shutters may be constructed in thesame manner as those described above, that is to say, they may bearranged so as to display either one or the other of their faces to thepubliogaze; However, in this case a modified form of construction of theshutters has been illustrated according to which they are pivoted aboutone of their edges, preferably the horizontal lower edge 61, so thatthey may be brought '(see Fig. 13) either into the position in whichtheycover the corresponding window (such is the case of the shutter 7 orinto the position in which they completely .uncover the window (such isthe ease of the shutter 7 Thewindow thus uncovered formsa markedcontractwith the adjacent shutters. i

In this manner, a kind of cylinder of shut ters is obtained rotatinguniformly and forming letters under the same conditions as obtained w1ththe apparatus previously described. In order to, distinguish theletters. more clearly, a central luminous source com 7 mon to all thewindows and constituted, for

example, by a series of lamps 62 (Fig. 12) .may be located to advantageat the centre of the disc.

It willbe noticed that by pivoting the Each axial row shutters abouttheir lower edge, they may bev by means of a cam to be describedpresently.

Under these circumstances, only one electromagnct 15 need he providedinstead. of the two electromagnets and 15 previously described. Theshutters are actuated in the following manner:

Each of t e shutters maintained in its closure p1: (see Fig. 13) by alatch 63 pivotally mounted at it end 64 and having a profiled nose 65engaging with the end of the corresponding shutter 7. The other end ofthe latch 63 includes the magnetic mass 66 cooper with the correspondingelectromagnct 15. The electromagnet is energized in the same manner aspreviously, that is to say when a hole in the perforate strip comesopposite a contact stud. When the eleetromagnet 15 is energized, itattracts the latch 63 which releases the shutter 7 and the latter fallsunder gravity into the horizontal position in which it uncovers thecorresponding window. Of course, as in the previous case, there is onlyone vertical row of elec tromagnets 15, which row includes as manyelectromagnets as there are horizontal rows of shutters 7 The verticalrows of shutters successively pass before the row of electromagnets 15and the shutters are actuated according to the arrangement of the holesin p the perforate strip.

Each horizontal row of shutters has associated therewith a cam 67 forreturning to closure position those shutters which had previously beenbrought into open position, each cam being located forward of the row ofelectromagnets 15 and so shaped as to be engaged by the nipples 68 ofthose shutters of its row which are open, so as to return the shuttersto the closure position. Each cam 67 will naturally have theprofiledesired which will approach to a helicoidal profile as isapparent from Figs. 12 and 12 illustrating the cam 67 in perspective.

This device is particularly advantageous in connection with smallinstallations. It will be observed that, as has been illustrated in Fig.14, the electric driving motor-69 may be mounted direct on a fixedcentral shaft 7 0 relative to which the wheels 60 may rotate freely,such wheels being driven for example through a pinion 71 mounted on themotor shaft and a spur wheel? 2 secured to the lower wheel 60 by the web73. The perforate strip and the mechanisms pertaining thereto fordriving, contacting and synchronizing, may be located without theapparatus and the current leads 74 for the electromagnet 15 which latterare mounted on arms 75 radiating from the shaft 7 0 may be brought upthroughthe hollow shaft 70. The cylinder formed by the shutters and thewheels may, in order to lend artistic effect, be completed.

by upper and lower spherical caps illustrated in chain dotted lines at76. The compact ball thus formed may either be supported on a pedestalor be suspended. In this manner an apparatus of reduced bull; andpleasing appearance is obtained. The apparatus may operate by day justas well as by night, the contrast between the open windows and theclosed shutters being enhanced in broad daylight by utilizing any knowntype of device for concentrating the solar light.

It will be noticed that the form of construction of the shuttersdescribed with ref-' erence to the, apparatus of Figs. 11 and 14 may beapplied under the same conditions to e apparatus previously described.

Likewise, in both these apparatus, the shutters might be shiftedvertically instead of transversely, as illustrated in Fig. 15. Thisarrangement however calls for a greater number of rows of shutters;

The apparatus according to the invention affords numerous advantages. Ashas been seen, it may be utilized by day just as well as by night and itentails a far less expenditure of power than do the present luminousgazettes. I

It is moreover self-evident that the in vention has only been describedand illustrated here in a purely explanatory but by no means limitativemanner, and that it might be subjected to various modifications ofdetail without departing from the spirit 1 thereof.

I claim:

1. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of shutters dis posed in rows andcapable of assuming two different positions, a plurality of spindlescarried by said endless member, each of said spindles carrying a row ofshutters pivotally mounted thereon, and a plurality of means forpivoting said shutters whereby an advertisement sign is created by thecontrasted positions of said shutters.

' 2. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the QII 3. Publicity apparatus for passing advircombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuousmovement to said endless member, a plurality of shutters disposed inrows and capable of assuming two (lllferent positions, a plurality ofspindles carried by said endless member, each of said spindles carryinga row of shutters pivotally mounted thereon, means cooperating with eachrow of shutters for pivoting the latter whereby an advertisement sign iscreated by the contrasted positions of said shutters, means forselecting the shutter pivoting means to be put in operation, and meansfor actuating said selecting means in synchronism with said endlessmember.

a. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession b fore the public gaze, said apparatus comprising,incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted inrows on said endless member and capable of assuming tvo differentpositions whereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters incontrasted positions, an electromagnet located on a level with each rowof shutters and adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter thenopposite it, a source of current for energizing said electromagnets, andswitches for closing circuits through said electromagnets.

5. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, in

combination, an endless member,means for imparting continuous movementtosaid endless member, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted in rowson said endless member and capable of assuming two different positionswhereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters in contrastedpositions, an electromagnet located on a level with each row of shuttersand adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter then opposite it,

a source of current for energizing said elec- Qil tromagnets, switchesfor closing circuits through said electromagnets, and'means forselectively actuating said switches.

6. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, meansfor imparting continuous movementto said endless member,a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted in rowson said endless member and capable of assumingtwo different positionswhereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters in contrastedpositions, an electromagnet located on a level with each row of shuttersand adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter then opposite it, asource of current for energizing said electromagnets, switches forclosing circuits through said electromagnets, means for selectivelyactuating said switches, and means for controlling said switch selectingmeans in synchronism with said endless member.

7. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of shutters piv otally mounted inrows on said endless memher and capable of assuming two differentpositions whereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters incontrasted positions, an electromagnet located on a level with each rowof shutters and adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter thenopposite it, a source of current for energizing said electromagnets,switches for closing circuits through said electromagnets, a re tatingdrum, means for applying voltage to said drum, a strip progressed bysaid drum and having perforations spaced according to the advertisementsign to be reproduced, and a plurality of contact fingers respectivelyconnected to said switches and rubbing over said strip, said fingerswhen contacting with said drum through said strip perforations transiitting current for actuating said switches.

8. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted in.rows on said endless member and capable of assuming two differentpositions whereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters incontrasted positions, an electromagnet located on a level with each rowof shutters and adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter thenopposite it, a source of current for energizing said electromagnets,switches for closing circuits throu h said eletromagnets, a drum, meansfor rotating said drum in synchronism with said endless member, meansfor applying the public gaze, said apparatus comprisin member andcapable of assuming two different positions whereby an advertisementsign is created by said shutters in contrasted positions, anelectromagnet located on a level with each row of shutters and adapted,when energized, to pivot the shutter then opposite it, a source ofcurrent for energizing said electromagnets, switches for closingcircuits through said electromagnets, a drum, pair of electromagnets, aswitch, means actuated. by said endless member for rocking said switchto complete a circuit through each of said electromagnets alternately,means for applying voltage to said drum, armatures to saidelectromagnets, a member coupling said armatures together whereby thelatter are reciprocated, coupling means between said drum and saidmember for converting said reciprocating movement into rotary movementwhereby said drum is rotated continuously in synchronized with saidendless member, a strip mounted on said drum and fed forward thereby,said strip having perforations spaced according to the advertisementsign to be reproduced, and a'plurality of contact fingers respectivelywired to said switches and rubbing over said strip, said fingers whencontacting with said drum through said strip perforations transmittingcurrent for actuating said switches.

10. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted inrows on said endless mem her and capable of assuming two differentpositions whereby an advertisement sign is created by said shutters incontrasted positions, an electromagnet located on a level with each rowof shutters and adapted, when energized, to pivot the shutter thenopposite it, a source of current for energizing said electromagnets,switches for closing circuits through said electromagnets, a drum, aswitch adapted to rock about a given axis, a pointer mounted on saidswitch on said axis, a plurality of inclined members mounted in spacedrelation on said endless member and over which one end of said pointerrides and thereby rocks said switch, apair of electromagnets throughwhich a circuit is closed alternately by said rocking switch, armaturesto said electromagnets coupled together and alternately attracted tothem, coupling means between said. armatures and said drum forconverting the reciprocating movement of said armatures intounidirectional rotation of said drum, a strip mounted on said drum andfed forward thereby, said strip having perforations spaced according tothe advertisement sign to be reproduced, and a plurality of contactfingers respectively wired to said switches and rubbing over said strip,said fingers when contacting with said drum through saidstripperformations transmitting current for actuating said switches.

l1. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising,

in combination, an endless member, means for imparting continuousmovement to said endless member, a plurality of spindles mounted on saidendless member in parallel rows, a plurality of shutters pivotallymounted on said spindles in rows, each of said shutters having twodifferently coloured-faces, a pair of electromagnets located oppositeeach row of shutters, a source of electric current for energizing saidelectromagnets, two magnetic masses mounted on each of said shutters andadapted to be respectively attracted by the two electromagnets of thecorresponding pair, a switch for each pair of electromagnets adapted tooccupy two positions in each of which it closes circuit through thecorresponding electromagnet 0f the pair, and a plurality of independentmeans for selecting the positions to be occupied by said switches.

12. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisement-s in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombinatioman endless member, means for imparting continuous movement tosaid endless member, a plurality of spindles mounted on said endlessmember in parallel rows, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted onsaid spindles in rows, each of said shutters having two differentlycoloured faces, a pair of electromagnets located opposite each row ofshutters, the two electromagnets of a pair being located vertically onebelow the other, a source of current for energizing said electromagnets,two magnetic masses mounted diagonally opposite each other on each ofsaid shutters and adapted to be attracted respectively by the twoelectromagnets of the corresponding pair when opposite the same, aswitch for each pair of electromagnets adapted to 'occupy two positionsin each of which it closes a circuit through the correspondingelectromagnet of the pair, a drum, a source of ourllO rent for placingsaid drum under voltage,

means for rotating said drum in synchronism with said endless member, aperforate strip progressed by said drum and whose perforations form thesigns to be reproduced, a plurality of contact fingers rubbing over saidstrip and adapted to contact with said drum through the perforations ofsaid strip, a plurality of electromagnets respectively connected to saidfingers and adapted when energized by said drum to rock said switchesinto one of their two positions, and

means tending to return said switches into the other of their twopositions.

13. Publicity apparatus for passing advertisements in continuoussuccession before the public gaze, said apparatus comprising, incombination, an endless member, means for imparting continuous movementto said endless member, a plurality of spindles mounted on said endlessmember in parallel rows, a plurality of shutters pivotally mounted onsaid spindles in rows, each of said shutters having two differentlycoloured faces, a pair of eleotromagnets located opposite each row ofshutters, a source of electric current for energizing saidelectromagnets whereby said shutter is made to display the facecorresponding to the eleotromagnet energized, a strip with perforationsso arranged as to form the advertisement signs to be reproduced, a drumon which said strip is mounted for progressing the same, means forrotating said drum in synchronism with said endless member, said meansincluding a pair of electromagnets and a switch rocked alternately fromone position to another for sending current through said secondelectromagnets alternately, a plurality of contact fingers rubbing oversaid strip and adapted to contact with said drum through theperforations of said strip, a plurality of electromagnets respectivelyconnected to said fingers and adapted when energized by said drum torock said first mentioned switches into one of their two positions,.andmeans tending to return said switches into the other of their twopositions.

HENRI MAURICE DUCHARD.

